Driving in Orlando and Miami
Discussion
Hi, as per the title I've never driven in the States before, in fact I've not been there either, so I was wondering what should I be looking out for (and no I don't mean other road users lol) whats different to our roads? and yes I know I'll be driving on the opposite side of the road too, thats before I get all the funny comments. Thanks in advance
Matt Harper said:
Allow me to chip-in with my 2c worth - I live in Orlando and my work takes me to Miami very frequently.
Most problems occur when tourists have a lapse of concentration compounded by lack of visual reference. So pulling out of parking lots on to less busy roads is often where you might find yourself on the wrong side of the road. Otherwise, I think you will find that it is very straightforward.
Things that are different:
Stopping on yellow at busy intersections - drivers behind you won't expect this - most assume that you will accelerate rather than stop. Check your mirrors for closely following traffic, before stopping on yellow.
Turning right on red - permitted unless otherwise stated. Look for 'No Turn on Red' signs, as these intersections are popular hang-outs for po-po. You must come to a complete stop before turning right on red. There are some situations where you may also turn left on red. Either way, be mindful of pedestrians, who may be in the crosswalk during your maneuver - you MUST yield to them.
Restrictions on reverse-in parking - This is a local (i.e. Orange County) ordinance and only applies to public parking lots. FL registered vehicles are not required to display a front license plate, which is why parked cars need to have the plate visible in public lots.
Pedestrians in parking lots - always have right of way (no matter how infuriating this may be) - you have to yield to them.
Stopped school busses - Info given already is broadly correct, but you are not required to stop if traveling in the opposite direction if the road has a central median wider than 20ft.
Emergency vehicles - You must yield to any vehicle displaying flashing blue/red lights. if in doubt stop, so they can get around you. FL also has a "move-over" law, which requires you to move out of the lane adjacent to the hard shoulder when approaching stopped emergency vehicles on the shoulder (either side). If you can't change lanes, you must reduce speed to 20mph below posted limit when passing stopped emergency vehicles.
Turning left at a cross roads - pass opposing vehicles doing the same maneuver on the inside (rather than driving around them, as in UK)
Bypassing intersections - it is illegal to bypass stopped traffic when making a right turn by cutting through business parking lots, gas stations etc.
Obvious routes Orlando/Miami - FL Turnpike is the fastest and simplest route - but is a toll road, so a SunPass or around $25 cash is required. It is less busy than Interstate and a more direct route - drive time is around 3 hours 30 mins. Alternative is I-95, which is free to use, less direct (despite running parallel to the Turnpike for the southern part of the route) and a lot busier - particularly south of Ft Pierce. Drive time is typically 4 hours +
Driving standards - overall are very poor, compared to Europe. In my experience, the further south you travel toward and within Miami, the more atrocious they become.
Hi Matt, on the drive down to Miami, is there anywhere worth stopping of at, any tourist attractions or anything else you could recommend? Thanks once more.Most problems occur when tourists have a lapse of concentration compounded by lack of visual reference. So pulling out of parking lots on to less busy roads is often where you might find yourself on the wrong side of the road. Otherwise, I think you will find that it is very straightforward.
Things that are different:
Stopping on yellow at busy intersections - drivers behind you won't expect this - most assume that you will accelerate rather than stop. Check your mirrors for closely following traffic, before stopping on yellow.
Turning right on red - permitted unless otherwise stated. Look for 'No Turn on Red' signs, as these intersections are popular hang-outs for po-po. You must come to a complete stop before turning right on red. There are some situations where you may also turn left on red. Either way, be mindful of pedestrians, who may be in the crosswalk during your maneuver - you MUST yield to them.
Restrictions on reverse-in parking - This is a local (i.e. Orange County) ordinance and only applies to public parking lots. FL registered vehicles are not required to display a front license plate, which is why parked cars need to have the plate visible in public lots.
Pedestrians in parking lots - always have right of way (no matter how infuriating this may be) - you have to yield to them.
Stopped school busses - Info given already is broadly correct, but you are not required to stop if traveling in the opposite direction if the road has a central median wider than 20ft.
Emergency vehicles - You must yield to any vehicle displaying flashing blue/red lights. if in doubt stop, so they can get around you. FL also has a "move-over" law, which requires you to move out of the lane adjacent to the hard shoulder when approaching stopped emergency vehicles on the shoulder (either side). If you can't change lanes, you must reduce speed to 20mph below posted limit when passing stopped emergency vehicles.
Turning left at a cross roads - pass opposing vehicles doing the same maneuver on the inside (rather than driving around them, as in UK)
Bypassing intersections - it is illegal to bypass stopped traffic when making a right turn by cutting through business parking lots, gas stations etc.
Obvious routes Orlando/Miami - FL Turnpike is the fastest and simplest route - but is a toll road, so a SunPass or around $25 cash is required. It is less busy than Interstate and a more direct route - drive time is around 3 hours 30 mins. Alternative is I-95, which is free to use, less direct (despite running parallel to the Turnpike for the southern part of the route) and a lot busier - particularly south of Ft Pierce. Drive time is typically 4 hours +
Driving standards - overall are very poor, compared to Europe. In my experience, the further south you travel toward and within Miami, the more atrocious they become.
Edited by Matt Harper on Thursday 30th June 16:39
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